Nation’s cooperation imperative to fight terrorism: COAS

ISLAMABAD: Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir on Wednesday said the Pakistan Army can fight against terrorists but the cooperation of the entire nation is imperative in this regard.

Addressing the ‘’Pakistan National Youth Conference’’ at the Jinnah Convention Center, he said that youth were the guardians of the bright and sublime traditions of the nation, the epitome of Allama Iqbal and Quaid-i-Azam’s visionary leadership.

Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar was the chief guest and Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Asim Munir was the guest of honour.

“It gives me great pleasure to address the future builders of Pakistan and Shaheen of Iqbal,” General Asim Munir said.

The army chief said the establishment of Pakistan highlighted the core issue that Islamic culture and civilisation were different from (those of) Hindus in all respects and Muslims might not adopt the Western civilisation and culture.

The youth, he said, should have immense confidence in their country, nation, culture, civilization and themselves. “The youth should be sure that they are scion of a great homeland and nation,” he added.

The COAS said the main objective of social media and propaganda was to spread uncertainty, chaos and despair, whereas social media news verification was critical as without research and positive thinking, the society remained chaotic.

Citing verses of the Holy Quran on disinformation, he said Allah Almighty says: “O believers! If a transgressor brings news, you should firstly confirm it.”

He said the establishment of Pakistan was just like the Tayyaba state (referring to Islamic State of Medina) that was founded under the sublime banner of Kalima-e-Tayyaba. “Allah Almighty has blessed Pakistan with abundant natural resources, agriculture and young manpower,” he added.

The army chief said a Muslim always offered gratitude to Allah Almighty for patience in turbulent and good times adding, “Our forces are always ready against any kind of threat and conspiracy. If Pakistan exists, so we do, if there is no Pakistan then we are nothing.” He said that Pakistan would not compromise on its sovereignty.

He urged the youth to have full faith in a bright future and maintaining the legacy of ancestors.

During the COAS’s address, the students raised slogans of ‘Pakistan Army Zindabad’, ‘Pakistan Zindabad’ and ‘Quaid-i-Azam Zindabad’.

In his address, Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar affirmed that as responsible citizens, the people of Pakistan must reject and collectively fight the vicious propaganda onslaught unleashed by the enemies against Pakistan in the recent past.

Kakar said the youth could play a constructive role in dealing with this emerging national security challenge provided they remained focused, and fact checked all details through authentic information from the state institutions rather than falling prey to the propaganda.

The interim PM appreciated the role of armed forces in the fight against the menace of terrorism with full commitment and professional excellence.

“We, as a nation, have fought the menace of terrorism most valiantly, offering unparalleled sacrifices,” he said.

“Pakistan’s successes in the war against terrorism would not have been possible without the participation and support of the youth who make 65 percent of our population,” he added.